CARES Memory Care Training for Families
CMSS is thrilled to offer our community complimentary access to CARES® Dementia Training for families. This program will help you reduce stress and feel confident in caring for your loved one.
Tips For Effective Caregiver Communication
Effective communication between you, the person in your care and medical care providers is extremely important.
VR Gives Caregivers First-Hand Experience of Memory Loss
Our work with virtual reality organization Embodied Labs was recently featured in an article in HealthiAR. CMSS staff has fortune to work with Embodied Labs’ innovative VR technology to learn how staff and caregivers can better care for people with memory loss. Read more about how this training will impact staff, caregivers and residents here.
What Are My Options for Care as I Grow Older and Which One’s Right for Me Now?
The majority of us will need long-term care at some point or will need to help arrange it for a family member, but it can be difficult to determine which of the various types of care is the right one and the best place to receive that care. The good news is, you can take pressure […]
Celebrating Volunteers Who Give Back to Older Adults
At Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services (CMSS), we’re always looking for new ways to bring joy to our residents and celebrate our volunteers, and recently, we’ve had two notable occasions to do both at Wesley Place.
How to Plan Holiday Meals for Older Adults With Dietary Restrictions
This holiday season, what food are you most looking forward to? Maybe a tender ham, a sweet slice of pie with ice cream, or even a cocktail or two? If this sounds similar to the menu for your holiday meals, you aren’t alone. Unfortunately, for many older adults who are on doctor’s orders to follow […]
Help Your Older Loved Ones Enjoy the Holidays
At this time of year, many of us gather with family and friends to to take part in holiday traditions. Although it is a joyful time, it can also be difficult one for many older adults, especially those who have recently lost loved ones and those who are no longer able to travel easily. Even […]
Caregivers: Ways to Engage Your Loved Ones in Fun Activities
In addition to the games and craft projects we’ve been discussing, there are many other activities that you can enjoy with your older loved ones. Whether your loved one is dealing with dementia or a physical illness, many of these activities can be adapted to fit their needs and abilities.
Chicago Caregiver Resources 101
Caring for a spouse, parent or other family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is an immense commitment that often requires lifestyle changes and increases stress. It’s no surprise that many caregivers have difficulty making time to care for themselves in the midst of their responsibilities. Fortunately, there are many resources available for caregivers who […]
Caregiving Spotlight: What It’s Like Looking After an Ill Parent or Spouse
Providing care for an ill parent or spouse is something that we often don’t ever plan for. It’s easy to assume that you’ll never be the caregiver for a loved one in your life. However, recent research by University of Rhode Island’s Schmidt Labor Research Center, found that “1 in 3 workers currently face elder […]
Surviving and Thriving as a Caregiver
Caring for an older loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is a big commitment. Between doctor appointments, keeping up with medication schedules and finding new ways to adapt to the progression of the illness, it can be difficult for caregivers to find time to take care of themselves, which can lead to emotional stress, […]
How Caregiving Changes Your Relationships
Though the technical aspects of caregiving, which includes tasks such as administering medication or escorting to medical appointments, are frequently top-of-mind for caregivers, a much less discussed issue revolves around how caregiving may change your relationships with your loved ones. While there is no one set type of caregiving relationship, two of the most common […]
How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Discharge Planning
For your older loved one, going home from the hospital after an injury or illness is likely to be a welcomed move. Recovering at home is typically much more comfortable than an extended hospital stay, but it can be challenging to facilitate a smooth transition. Often, when patients are discharged from the hospital, they’re not […]
What to Ask Doctors Before Leaving the Hospital
After being given the green light to bring your hospital stay to an end, you’ll likely be anxious to get out as quickly as possible (and we can’t blame you!). Unfortunately, leaving the hospital doesn’t mean you’re leaving the reason for your visit behind. Because most people don’t leave the hospital fully recovered, but […]
Three Reasons to Develop an Advance Directive (Today!)
If you’ve been considering writing an advance directive (also known as a living will) but haven’t sat down to put your wishes on paper, you should stop waiting and start writing. An advance directive is a legal document that lets you voice your decisions about end-of-life care. Your health care professionals and loved ones will […]
How Home Care Really Works: An Inside Look
Home care is a viable option for older adults who are beginning to find daily activities more challenging but are looking for something other than a nursing home or assisted living facility. But how does home care actually work? It can vary depending on needs and situation, but here are a few of the basics. […]
Is Home Care Right For You or Your Loved Ones? 10 Questions to Ask.
If you’ve been struggling to decide whether home care is the best way to help you or your loved one live a more comfortable life, you know that there are many factors to consider. Below are 10 important questions to ask yourself to help determine if home care is right for your situation. 1. […]
Five Ways to Help Those with Memory Problems Cope During the Holidays
The excitement of the holiday season can become stressful for anyone: from shopping for gifts and cooking lavish meals, to organizing get togethers and traveling, it’s easy to become overwhelmed during the holiday season. For those with memory problems, the holidays can be difficult to keep up with. If you’ll be spending time with a […]
A Day in the Life of a Caregiver
Have you ever wondered what a day as a caregiver looks like? Whether a live-in, paid caregiver or a family member, it’s hard to truly depict a caregiver’s day as each varies. Take a look at one of their busy days below. Morning: 7:30 am: Rise and shine! The caregiver wakes up, gets ready for […]
Our Favorite Online Resources for Family Caregivers
Many family caregivers feel overwhelmed, underprepared, alone, and stressed as they face the great responsibility of taking care of their loved one. As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, we wanted to share our favorite resources to help the compassionate people who step into the family caregiver role every day. Elderwerks Elderwerks serves as a […]
6 Little Known Facts About the Real Life of Caregivers
The vast majority of caregivers for seniors in the U.S. aren’t nurses or trained professionals. They are the spouses, partners, family members, friends and neighbors of the older adults who need care. They are people like you. These caregivers humbly choose to care for their loved ones day in and day out, and they don’t […]
An Open Thank You Letter to Family Caregivers
Dear Caregivers, The month of November is National Family Caregiver Month – when we recognize the 90 million family caregivers in the U.S. today. Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) is proud to have gotten to know many of you who selflessly dedicate your time, energy, and attention to caring for your loved ones. You play […]
Reality – What Is It Good For?
Unless your loved ones are combative or a danger to themselves or others, it’s best to go with them wherever their memories take them.
5 Steps For a Successful Hospital Discharge
Elder Care Helper offers these five key steps to help you plan a safe and appropriate transition from hospital to home or rehabilitation center.
Making the Hardest Decision
You know the moment is approaching. A hundred times the notion has crossed your mind. You have always let it pass — until now. Your loved one’s medical condition has gotten worse in spite of your best efforts. His or her personal care needs and need for supervision have increased. You may feel exhausted. Your […]
